EuPR backs environment commission’s green goals

WIESBADEN, GERMANY (Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. ET) — The European plastics recyclers’ organization, EuPR, has come out in support of European Union environment commissioner Janez Potocnik.

Speaking at the recent PolyTalk conference in Wiesbaden, the commissioner underlined that to achieve the full potential for plastics resource efficiency Europe needs to pursue two main objectives – the reduction of landfill and a switch from energy recovery to recycling.

“Given the fact that our resources are limited, we cannot afford to continue the irresponsible practice of sending half of our plastics waste to landfills. The vision of commissioner Poto├äŹnik is the right way to go for Europe,” said EuPR President Ton Emans. “Energy from waste should also be limited to non-recyclables to further push circular material flows.

“Given the difficult economic situation Europe must take the opportunity to save resources and create jobs at the same time. The European plastics recyclers are ready to take on these challenges and contribute to a more sustainable plastics production industry in Europe.”

EuPR is looking forward to the launch of the green paper on plastics waste in the environment in order to start a new journey for Europe toward increased sustainability for plastics, he added.